A victimological exploration of the programmes and services available to victims of trio-crimes in Durban Metropolitan Area.

Abstract

This research was aimed at exploring and giving insight into the programmes and services available to victims of trio-crimes in the Durban Metropolitan Area. The motivation behind the study is that as a recently constitutional democracy, South Africa faces major challenges with the enforcement of the rule of law and with guaranteeing the protection of the citizen’s fundamental human rights. Post-Apartheid South Africa is founded on democratic values and the Constitution enshrines a range of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom and security. In light of these provisions, strengthened by international human rights jurisprudence, the South African government is accountable for the management of crime, and requires policies, strategies and programmes to carry out this responsibility. In ensuring that the goals of this study are achieved, a qualitative approach was used in this study that assisted to focus on the exploration of the programmes available to victims of Trio-Crimes within the City of Durban. Data collection for this study was based on semi-structured interviews conducted on an individual basis. It combined a set of pre-determined questions that enabled the interviewer to explore further particular themes and responses. In analysing the data collected, thematic analysis method was utilised. The effectiveness of thematic analysis was derived from the familiarisation of data by the researcher. This was possible because the researcher conducted tape recorded interviews and transcribed them, and it allowed the researcher to familiarise with the data for an in-depth and perceptive analysis. However, this research considered the common threads among the respondents that provided an opportunity to ascertain patterns that showed common cause or commonalities among the research participants. The main findings highlighted that there are programmes and services available to assist and empower victims of trio-crimes in the Durban Metropolitan Area; and such programmes and services are provided by different organisations within the city. It also indicated that these programmes and services are beneficial and effective, and they impact on a victims` life in a constructive manner. However, these victim support systems are deeply reliant upon volunteers for their execution.